In an effort to streamline services and allow for social distancing when appropriate and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Iowa City Police Department on July 1, 2022, launched the Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS).

DORS is an online reporting tool that allows community members to report non-emergency offenses that have occurred with no known suspects. Those incidents include:

Harassment

Theft

Theft From a Motor Vehicle

Theft of Motor Vehicle Parts

Trespass

Vandalism/Criminal Mischief

Using DORS eliminates the need to visit the Iowa City Police Department in person or have an officer dispatched to you. The department hopes to save time for community members, provide increased social distancing, simplify the process for reporting minor offenses and obtaining documentation for insurance purposes, and ensure that officers' time is best used serving the community. The system, supported by LexisNexis Risk Solutions, is used by more than 450 law enforcement agencies in North America and Australia.

How does it work?

Community members with a crime that fits within the categories mentioned above can access DORS here. Users can then select the appropriate offense, enter their personal information and information about the incident, and submit the report. Users will be emailed a copy of their report and a temporary case number for tracking purposes. The Iowa City Police Department will review all reports submitted, follow up with any questions, or accept the report and assign it a case number.

Once a report is accepted, users can provide the documentation to insurance companies or other relevant agencies, if necessary.

When is the DORS system not appropriate?

DORS should not be used to report an emergency or crime in progress and is not a substitute for 911. DORS will not be monitored 24/7. DORS should only be used to report the offenses as outlined above in instances when no known suspect exists.

DORS is also not a replacement for ICgovXpress, an online reporting tool that allows community members to request services, ask questions, or submit reports on a variety of issues.